Last year/this year comparisons for Astros

There’s a night and day difference between 2009 and 2010. And you need look no further than the blogs.

Last year, we were talking about if Mike Hampton or Russ Ortiz had anything left in the tank. This year, we’re eagerly awaiting Bud Norris and Felipe Paulino.

Last year, everyone was wondering if Michael Bourn would turn into an everyday major league player. This year, he’s the reigning Astros’ MVP.

Last year, the electorate was torn over the signing of Pudge Rodriguez as a stop gap remedy for catcher. This year, there’s a battle between two young players who could provide the future at the position for the next decade.

Last year, we were concerned if Wandy would ever live up to long-held expectations of management and fans. This year, he’s coming off his best season and is the solid #2 for which the Astros have been searching since Clemens and Pettitte left.

Last year, we were talking about the Blooney platoon (remember Aaron Boone?) at third base, then Bluminger. This year, there’s a fresh new — and stronger — defense on the left side of the infield.

Last year, the Tejada discussion centered around lying to Congress and his age. This year, Tejada at third base in Baltimore and there’s a new shortstop in town.

Last year, many were complaining that the Astros spent too much money on Brian Moehler while others were wondering if Kaz Matsui would be healthy enough to start the regular season. This year … okay, some things haven’t changed.

There is a difference in the conversation. Whether it yields a difference in wins and losses, runs scored and ERA remains to be seen, but there is a sense the boat is moving in the right direction, especially if the kids step up to the plate.

• •• ••• •• •

And a little either/or gamesmanship for you on this first weekend of March. Simply let us know which of the choices you would prefer.

-Brad Mills, even based on resume. Before Cecil Cooper was coach, he was doing the exact same thing the Millsy did…but it was under Francona.

• Brett Myers (2 years, $11 million) or Randy Wolf (3/$30).

-Honestly? Brett Myers is MUCH cheaper. If I actually SEE the money spent elsewhere, and not go straight into Drayton’s pocket, then Ill go Myers. But the upside to Wolf is much brighter, and there has to be something else in the pot.

• Tejada or Pedro Feliz at 3B.

-Tejada. This is my biggest pet peeve with the Astros. They said that they let Miggie go because they wanted to play younger talent…but next year while Tejada is playing 3rd elsewhere, we have Feliz come in to play 3rd also? Are they really trying to make me believe Feliz is that “young talent” that would alleviate the loss of numbers?

• Lance Berkman. Just lefty or switch hitter?

Swich hitter when a pitcher is no-bueno against Righty’s. I dont, however, like to see the guy get egotistical and bat right in wierd situations. But, he is a switch-hitter…selectively.

• Opening day starter: Roy or Wandy?

Roy because the starter on opening day likely wont affect the amount of opportunities to see that guy on the mound. Injuries and such will be a factor, and that makes this decision just in principle. Put the man on the mound because you bought him a tractor. Because you wont trade him when he is valuable. Because he is your #1 (In heart, not stats). Wandy is more productive, but Roy is the face of the team.

• Opening day 2B: Matsui, Blum or Keppinger?

Why any of them? If I have to pick, Ill go Blum. They have all shown us their best, and all of their respective ‘bests’ are comparable. They are all mediocre, and I was told we cut payroll to start working out the kids.

• Closer: Matt Lindstrom or Brandon Lyon?

Geesh…Im gonna have to let the new pitching coach make this call. He seems to really get to know the guys, so Ill trust his judgment of character. Im sure they can both throw hard. I think its a matter of heart at that spot.

• Favorite baseball food: Nachos or hot dog?

If chili is involved, I like the dog. If its only a cheese issue, Ill take the chips. Boom.

Thanks for something to talk about Chip. I agree on alot of your assessments on improvements, but we have not improved at Third, Second, or at Closer.

Also – I remember an interview with Alan Ashby where he said being a switch hitter made him a better left handed hitter against righties. I guess it has to do with approach. He hit .256 as a lefty and .215 as a righty.

You didn’t ask about catcher but what do you think the chances are the Astros wait until late May or later to bring up Castro? It’s a common strategy designed to reduce the number of arbitrations for which a player will be eligible. I guarantee you it’ll happen even if he “wins” the job in Spring Training

The fate of Q if Towles and Castro are the two catchers with the big club – saw the news this moring that R Martin has an abdomenal strain. So that’s catcher #1 with a long healing issue in ST – should say starting catcher #1. I expect at lease 3 more – could be five more, of the current depth chart #1 and #2 catchers to have some sort of issue as we approach the 5th of April.

Just keeping my eyes and ears open!

BradL – how much does a burger at 5 & 7 cost? Haven’t been back to Houston since it opened. Will be there in August this year – have tickets already lined up (Club seats down 1B line and a corp suite – pays to be nice to people when they are on their way up!)

• Opening day starter: Roy or Wandy? Roy, but that will change for next year if 2010 is like 2009.

• Opening day 2B: Matsui, Blum or Keppinger? Matsui, I guess … to keep position flexibility off the bench for Blum and Kepp.

• Closer: Matt Lindstrom or Brandon Lyon? Lindstrom, easy. (I hope Mills is reading this … scroll back up and look at all the Lindstrom votes).

• Favorite baseball food: Nachos or hot dog? Hands-down a Skyline Cheese Coney from Great American Ballpark. At MMP, I’ll vote for those mini-burgers from the stand down the third-base line. Oh, and beer.

J from TX – every time. Occasional switch hitting or the Wandy approach (as it suits him) isn’t really switch hitting. Not that it matters all that much except to those of us that are “stat heads”.

Berkman as the best switch hitter ever? Wasn’t Joe D a switch hitter. P Rose and C Jones. Berkman is in the conversation with all of these, but its like asking which would you rather have $1,000,000 in cash or $1,000,000 in gold – there isn’t a wrong answer!

Have to go read yesterday’s posts – interesting topic! Spent the last two days at Marquette with my daughter – great school, she’s going to love it – hope they give her more money!

Either – Or:

Mills or Coop – thanks for the laugh, DUH – Millsy!

Myers or Wolf – Interesting posts above. Myers because he’s a better value and Wolf for 3 years has a lot of gamble in it. I could be totally wrong, but I don’t see Wolf making the season in 2010 without a DL trip (has been two full seasons without one now).

3B: Johnson, but since Miggy at 3B would have cost $14 million for one season or a 2 year deal for him to stay in HOU, Feliz – because its a one year deal and that’s the only reason. Johnson was and is my first choice.

Berkman: Switch, excellent explanaition in Bill Holmes post.

Opening Day Starter: Mills’ first delima – Roy has the history and starting him indicates that the team expects him to be THE ace again. Wandy earned it with his 2009 performance, but giving him the nod means he has to face everyone’s #1 starter for at least the first three turns through the rotation. To me, Mills will decide based on the Springs that each of them have – which order gives HOU the best chance to win – that is what he will go with. For me, its Roy.

2B: Matsui unless he’s dingged up, then Keppinger.

Closer: TBD, right now though my opinion is Lyon with Lindstrom as the 8th inning guy.

Food: Not even close, hot dogs! I love Nacho’s but not the ballpark version!

This year vs last year – what a refreshing change! Could the 2009 team to the 2010 team have the largest swing in average age ever? Not sure how much FLA’s swung the season after the WS win when they sent Beckett, et al on their way – but the Astros age drop this season from last could be close. Mills vs Cooper – HUGE difference.

The pizzas. I used to share one with my daughter when she was little. My boss’s husband had seats right behind home plate, and my wife and I would take our then-only daughter to games when he gave me his tickets. Best company perk ever.

Myers….although the Wolf siging would have been done a year ago at 3 years $27 million meaning Wolf would only have two years left on his deal at $18 million. Under that permise, I’d take Wolf at the higher salary but same number of years.

Tejada

Berkman: switch hitter

Roy for opening day

Matsui on a short leash. Then Blum/Keppinger platoon assuming Manzella is hitting his weight.

Lindstrom to close

Hot Dogs

[PRR, just for clarity, you’re referring to the fact the Astros could have signed Wolf last winter for 3/$27 million. I’m referring to his deal this year with Milwaukee for 3/$30. Yes, it would be interesting to ponder having signed Wolf back then AND adding Myers at the $3.1 million figure this season. CB]

• Myers, due to the contract. Wolf is a solid #3 starter, but 3 years at $30 million is way overpaid. Myers has been a top-line starter, and if he doesn’t rebound, we can buy him out and try someone else next year.

• Tejada slightly over Feliz, but Felipe Lopez or another option would be better.

• Lance Berkman – don’t change one of the best switch hitters ever! He’s not bad right handed, just not as good as against righties.

• Opening day starter: Wandy. Everyone here rails about not rewarding younger players for performing. Wandy clearly outperformed Roy last year, and was one of the top lefties in the game. If you don’t reward that performance, what does it take?

I agree there Chip that the ship is moving in the right direction. With the pitching staff at least we have more upside potential. We all knew Ortiz and Hampton were washed up. Norris and Paulino at least have a future.

And with Mills we have a manager with much better feel for the game and the players. Usually managers who have a struggled with their playing careers, are more successful than managers that did not.